[from http://www.oakgrove.org/GreenPages/bos/0351.txt ]
What is a First Degree?
Many persons feel that the first degree initiation is somethin
g
that a person receives simply because this group or that wishe
s
to accept a person into their circle (Gardenarian, Alexandrian,
etc.).
In the my tradition, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess, an
d
as such you carry responsibilities. In some traditions, th
e
knowledge you have gained during your first degree studies wil
l
qualify you for a third degree in that tradition. But let's loo
k
at it a minute.
As I have stated, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess. Wha
t
does this mean? In other faiths, you must go to seminary or it
s
equivalent for a period of at least 5 years to obtain this goal
.
When you leave there, you are knowledgeable in not only th
e
beliefs of your faith, but also it's history, sects, an
d
doctrines. You have been trained to be a counselor, helper, an
d
friend to your parishioners. You have had training in dealin
g
with problems within your church, your community, and "th
e
enemy". Basically, you have been given the trust of your churc
h
to be knowledgeable, loving, caring, and trustworthy.
Should a Priest/ess in the craft be expected to be any less? A
s
an Isian, the answer is a resounding NO!
During your first degree studies, you are the equivalent of a
n
Associate Pastor/Minister/Whatever. You are now in training t
o
eventually have your own coven, or if you wish to be solitary
,
you are in training to be able to defend your religion to th
e
outside world if the need arises.
What are the responsibilities of a First Degree in my tradition?
As always, in the this tradition, you are required to constantl
y
be learning and growing. This does not mean that you have to b
e
constantly be learning about the craft, but about yourself, you
r
community, Mother Earth, etc. This responsibility does not ceas
e
even when you receive your third degree. This is
a
responsibility to yourself.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
351
Some of your responsibilities to the coven are listed below:
1.) To grow within the craft.
2.) Observe and participate in all circle functions of you
r
degree or lower.
3.) To assist in preparation for all circle functions of you
r
degree or lower.
4.) To assist any student of a lessor grade in his/her studie
s
when asked by this student for assistance.
5.) To contribute at least one research paper of 10 pages (5 i
f
single spaced) or more on the craft subject of your choice.
6.) Contribute in some manner to each sabbat or public gatherin
g
either by time, monies for supplies, or bringing something t
o
share either during or after event. Time could be by arrivin
g
early to help set up, staying a little later and helping to clea
n
up after, preparing and sharing a workshop (if open workshop i
s
scheduled), making phone calls to remind people of the event
,
etc.
7.) Contribute to ideas for coven gatherings and help arrang
e
same. (Remember, all things do not happen at Covenstead!)
8.) Be aware of any conflicts within Circle, and bring this t
o
the attention of the HP/HPS (even if that's where the conflic
t
is!)
9.) Be prepared to accept the responsibility of a circle o
r
ritual should something happen to your HP/S.
To some people, this may seem like a lot of expectations, bu
t
keep in mind. We are not are not training "week-end witches.
"
You are in training to be a Priest/ess of Wicca.
Your first degree is something to be proud of. You have worke
d
hard and long to receive it, and your HP/S has found you worth
y
of same.
May the Lord and Lady smile on your efforts.